Description
All about the Cherry Tree Trompe jay, Bigarreau blanc
The Cherry Trompe jay, also known as Bigarreau blanc, is a heritage variety native to Aquitaine (Landes – 40). Its original name comes from its peculiarity in “tricking” jays and other birds which, usually attracted by red fruits, abandon its pale cherries. This old variety is distinguished by its exceptional hardiness and the uniqueness of its fruits, both in appearance and flavour.
Characteristics of the Cherry Trunk Jay
The Trunk Jay Cherry is a very vigorous tree with an upright habit, which can reach a height of 6 metres at maturity. Its late flowering, which occurs in April, is abundant and offers a remarkable spring spectacle with its delicate white flowers.
The fruits are medium to fairly large in size (2 to 2.5 cm in diameter) and have a characteristic heart or kidney-shaped shape. Their main peculiarity lies in their colour: an almost transparent pale yellow, sometimes with a slight pinkish tint on the side exposed to the sun. The flesh, light yellow to creamy white in colour, is firm and crunchy like all cherries, while remaining melting and juicy. The taste is very sweet with low acidity and has typical aromas that make it a cherry very popular with connoisseurs.
Cultivation and maintenance
The Jay Trunk Cherry stands out for its high hardiness and resistance to disease, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners or for those looking for low-intervention varieties. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C and adapts to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
A notable advantage of this variety is the good resistance of its fruits to bursting, even in the event of heavy rainfall during the ripening period. In addition, its light color makes cherries less attractive to birds, significantly reducing crop losses – hence the name “Jay Trunk”.
To optimize its production, it is recommended to combine it with other late-flowering varieties such as the Napoleon Cherry or the Van Cherry.
Culinary Uses
Jay Trunk cherries are versatile in the kitchen. They are excellent for fresh consumption thanks to their firm, juicy and very sweet flesh. Their firmness also makes them ideal candidates for culinary preparations such as jams, pastries and especially for syrup preserves where their light color creates an original visual effect. Their distinctive flavour brings a distinctive note to desserts and preparations.
History and heritage
The Trompe jay cherry tree represents a precious element of the Aquitaine fruit heritage. Its preservation helps to maintain the genetic and taste diversity of ancient cherries. This variety, less known than some commercial varieties, deserves to be rediscovered for its unique organoleptic qualities and ease of cultivation. By choosing to plant a Jay Trunk Cherry tree in your garden, you are helping to save a traditional variety while offering you exceptional fruit at the end of June.
Our advice in video
Our other Cherry Trees




